Bay Area Wilds: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

The next few days bring low tide to Half Moon Bay which means, if you have an afternoon off and the rain clears, it's an opportunity to see the active tide pool life at this unique Bay Area sanctuary.

The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve exemplifies the bittersweet reality of humans appreciating nature a bit too much. The intertidal habitat is an opportunity to view some vivid tide pool life.

And yet, the influx of visitors at the reserve means that extra precautions must be taken by the park, to preserve the sensitive habitat -- and by visitors who intend to explore the area. You can read more about good tide pool behavior in the profile of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.

During my last visit to the reserve, the fog was just lifting, the tide receding. Seagulls bathed in the pools, harbor seals rested in the distance. We met people from New York and Europe and other world travelers who had come to appreciate the unique viewing experience.

I was happy to see that everyone to the person understood the sensitivity of the habitat -- even the precautions on giving distance and space to the seals. It's a diverse and important element of our local ecosystem, and well worth visiting. Just remember to know a bit about how we can all continue to enjoy the pools while leaving a very small and soft footprint.

More Information:

• Profile of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
• Map of San Mateo County Attractions
  Includes Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
• Bay Area Weather & Tides

^{Photo © Ingrid Taylar}